Zygomatic implant: major considerations in the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The dissemination of COVID-19 has presented significant challenges for dentistry. In this context, dental care during the pandemic is challenging due to the high risk of infection. In this scenario of infections and the COVID-19 pandemic, there are huge concerns in dental implant procedures, especially zygomatic implants (ZI), which need to be performed for several reasons, mainly to improve the quality of life of patients. Objective: The present study performed a brief systematic review of zygomatic implantation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, to highlight the main challenges and guideline-based safety strategies. Methods: The research was carried out from May 2021 to June 2021 and developed based on Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar, following the Systematic Review-PRISMA rules. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results: European guidelines and expert opinion showed on the control and prevention of infections in dentistry during the pandemic. As the guidelines were not based on solid evidence, they were supplemented by expert opinion on the control and prevention of infections in dentistry. The type of personal protective equipment provided by the dental team must be appropriate for the procedure and the risk of infection. the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) points to the issues listed as “What constitutes a dental implant-related emergency?; How should patients be screened and screened?; What personal protective equipment is needed?; How should operators be equipped?; What equipment should be used?; What, when, and how can procedures be performed?” Conclusion: In this current context of general care with dental procedures, especially with ZI, clinical studies show how these safety measures against COVID-19 are important, as ZI involves important surgical management.